The Soufriere Hills volcano emits ash and steam as seen from near Salem, Montserrat in this Aug. 25, 1997 photo. Since it began to erupt in 1995 Soufriere has destroyed almost the entire southern half of Montserrat, laying waste to hospitals, businesses, government buildings and the airport, where a flow of superheated rock melted the departure lounge. (AP Photo/John McConnico)